Teen Vogues Twentysomething Guide is your go-to resource for the confusing parts of going out on your own.
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Congratulations, you've just signed a lease on your first apartment. While we wouldn't dream of interrupting any important twenty-something event, we'd feel bad about moving into your new home without suggesting a few kitchen must-haves.
From a 6-in-1 toaster oven to a double-lid trash can to a 35-piece cookware set, this list has everything you need to enjoy homemade meals in your new home. We're talking trendy air fryers, instant coffee machines that actually make decent coffee, space-saving solutions that will make your kitchen even more functional, and more. (Pro tip: Create a registry and request these items as housewarming gifts from family and friends.)
Read more 15 Teen VogueKitchen essentials for your first apartment.
Nespresso is of This is the best instant coffee maker I've ever tried. Not only are the pods fully recyclable, but the customer service from this company is outstanding; my machine broke once (and it was during the pandemic), but the company fixed my year-old coffee maker in just a few weeks. For coffee lovers looking to save money on their morning coffee, this is the ultimate kitchen must-have. (If you're a latte person, we recommend investing in a frother as well; it creates the perfect froth in under a minute.)
If you're looking to splurge on kitchen essentials, Our Place's Ultimate Cookware Set is a great choice. It comes with eight of the brand's must-have pots and pans, plus a large oven mitt, steamer, and wooden spatula to protect your nonstick cookware. It also comes in six colors, so you can pick a set that matches the feel of your new apartment. (Personally, I'm a fan of the Blue Salt Always frying pan.)
Ideally, your kitchen essentials should enable you to do more with less, and this 6-in-1 toaster oven does just that. Compact and easy to keep on your counter, this appliance can air fry, roast, bake, reheat, grill, and toast, making it the perfect tool for even the most inexperienced cooks.
Made from heat-resistant, food-grade silicone, this 35-piece set has everything a home cook needs to create magic in the kitchen. From nonstick spatulas and handheld strainers to pizza cutters and bottle openers, this is the perfect collection of kitchen essentials for a first-time apartment.
So far, this is my favorite kitchen gadget I've ever used. My previous strainer was functional but took up a lot of space in my already limited cabinets. This foldable strainer saves a ton of space, doubles as a steamer, and is super easy to clean.
As we get older, keeping our tea or coffee at the right temperature can make a big difference in how our drinks taste. Unlike other kettles that can only boil water at a certain temperature, this kettle has six brewing presets, keeps water hot for up to four hours, and boils in just three to five minutes.
I swear by all things TikTok-favourite Ototo products, and these snail measuring cups are no exception. Measuring cups are an often-overlooked kitchen essential, but you need them for most cooking, and this set is not only adorable, but functional too.
We're not talking grandma's fancy dishes, but good tableware can make your kitchen feel more organized and functional. I especially love the minimalist design of this Corelle set with 18 pieces. It's dishwasher and microwave safe. The dishes are chip-resistant, which is a big plus for anyone who throws their dishes in the sink (me included!).
Brita pitchers are the most affordable option for keeping filtered water in your fridge at all times, and the filters last up to two months, so you don't have to replace them every few weeks.
One of the best gifts I've ever bought myself is a double bin – one side is just for trash and the other is for recycling. It may seem like a small thing, but it's one of the items in my kitchen that gets the most compliments.
If you don't want to buy a full set of dishes, these eco-friendly bowls will do the trick. They're made from wheat (meaning no plastic!) and are super lightweight.
A good cutting board set goes a long way when cooking, and this cute pastel board packs three great things: Not only does it look good (a big plus for me), it's reversible, made from antibacterial plastic, and dishwasher safe, plus it's odor- and stain-resistant, and BPA-free (you can *definitely* cut on this cute board).
Dish towels add plenty of personality to your kitchen space, but they also help cut down on paper towel usage. Whether you're washing your hands or cleaning up messes, dish towels are a kitchen workhorse. This set of 3 from Wrapables is the cutest look for cottagecore babes, and they're 100% cotton, so they get softer with every wash.
Sure, you could opt for standard lowball glasses, which cost $20 for a pack of eight, or you could invest in a set of chic day-to-night cups. and VERSATILE. Made from recycled glass and sand, these handmade tumblers always get compliments. They're a little pricey, but I've had them for over 3 years and they've never chipped or had bubbles in them. I use them for cocktails, water, and just about anything else. The best part, besides being dishwasher safe, is that they're all stackable, saving you loads of cabinet space.
Maximize your cabinet and counter space with a 3-tier spice rack. I have two in my kitchen to hold some of my spices. many Condiments. I love using these because they make my room look organized and give me easy access to the spices I use most often while cooking (Diaspora Co., if you're reading this, I love them!).
